3 Asian Companies Opening Here May Signal Trend

By Tom Harlan Three Asian companies opening Latin American headquarters in Miami-Dade County may be a signal that foreign investment is on the rise.

Asian companies consider the area the best and most cost-efficient place to connect to Latin America, said Pamela Fuertes, director of international economic programs at the Beacon Council, the county’s economic development agency. That means more jobs and capital investment, she said.

Mobis Parts America, a subsidiary of Korea-based Hyundai, plans to add nine professional jobs within three years at its Latin American headquarters, 10805 NW 100th St., Mobis officials said.

Nihon Kohden, a Japanese medical electronic equipment manufacturer, plans to invest $500,000 in its Latin American headquarters on Airport Corporate Center Drive, according to the Beacon Council, with plans to hire five employees within three years at its headquarters, which opened in April.

Tanker Pacific, the largest privately owned tanker operator in Singapore, opened a Latin American headquarters on Brickell Key Drive and expects to create 30 full-time jobs paying an average of $100,000 in the next three years, Ms. Fuertes said.

Mobis selected Miami-Dade to better service its North and Latin American markets, Ms. Fuertes said. It started operations May 1 after prep work and installing equipment at its warehouse, spokesperson Su Jin Hwang said.

Mobis, which exports parts to Latin America and the Caribbean, had a smaller Miami office that performed a similar function before opening the larger warehouse, Ms. Hwang said.

"These companies confirm that Asia is picking up once again," Ms. Fuertes said. "We look forward to attracting more investment from Asia."